SHU Named 'Military Friendly School'

Siena Heights University was named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs Magazine for the second consecutive year.

The 2011 list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. The common bond is their shared priority of recruiting students with military experience.

“We are very honored to be recognized for the second straight year,” said SHU Vice President of Enrollment Management C. Patrick Palmer, a military veteran who served with the Special Forces unit during the Vietnam War. “It’s a privilege to serve those who have served us. Siena Heights tries to support the continued development of our military veterans, especially combat veterans. In fact, Siena Heights is hosting a Veterans Day Opportunity Expo Nov. 11 on campus and encourages all of our veterans to attend.”

The list was compiled through exhaustive research starting last May during which G.I. Jobspolled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) consisting of educators and administrators from around the country.

“This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said G.I. Publisher Rich McCormack. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

“The Military Friendly Schools list is the gold standard in letting veterans know which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience,” said Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America and a member of the list’s Academic Advisory Board. “It’s especially important now with so many schools competing for military students.”

Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.